Throughout my first two weeks working for Elder Home Share, I have picked up on some useful strategies for performing tasks without needing direct instruction. This has been a key learning experience for me, as it quickly became clear that I can’t constantly be asking my boss for permission to make every small change to the website. Likewise, my boss doesn’t have the time to micromanage my every move or double-check every update I make. Because of this, I’ve started learning how to differentiate between tasks that need approval and those I can complete on my own initiative. For example, changing the background image on the homepage is a very visual and potentially branding-related change—something that clearly needs to be reviewed by my boss before it goes live. On the other hand, correcting a typo or improving grammar on a FAQ page is minor and usually not worth troubling her about.
Learning to make these kinds of judgment calls has helped me become more confident and independent in my work. There’s a subtle balance between taking initiative and respecting the structure of the organization, and I’m getting better at reading that balance every day. I’ve started to develop a mental checklist when I’m considering making a change: Will this affect how users view the brand? Is it cosmetic or structural? Have I made a similar change before and gotten approval? By asking myself these questions, I can make smart, confident decisions without wasting time or interrupting others.
In addition to learning how to work more independently, I’ve also been given an unexpected responsibility: training a new intern. The new intern started about a week after I did, and I was asked to help onboard him and show him how to do the work. I’ll be honest—I wasn’t expecting to be in a supervisory role so soon. But this challenge turned out to be a great opportunity for growth. At first, I took a hands-on approach, wanting to do every task alongside the new intern to make sure everything was perfect. I thought this was the best way to ensure he understood what to do and avoided mistakes. But I quickly realized that this method was not only time-consuming but also inefficient. I was spending more time hovering than getting my own tasks done, and the intern wasn’t getting the chance to really learn by doing.
That’s when I realized that mistakes are part of the learning process. It’s more effective to give someone guidance, let them try things for themselves, and correct them if needed. This shift in perspective helped me become a better mentor and saved me a lot of time and energy. It also reinforced the importance of trusting others and delegating work—a skill that will definitely come in handy in any professional environment. It’s been an interesting experience teaching someone else while still learning myself, but I’ve found that explaining things out loud has actually helped reinforce my own understanding of the work.
What’s also been interesting is adjusting to the nuances of Irish work culture. Compared to the more direct communication style I’ve experienced in the U.S., the Irish workplace seems to rely more on subtlety and reading between the lines. Tasks need to get done, but the exact instructions on how and when to do them are not always laid out explicitly. I’m still adjusting to this approach, and there are definitely moments when I find myself unsure of what’s expected. In those cases, I’ve learned that it’s perfectly okay to ask questions—my boss and teammates have always been open to clarifying things when needed.
Sometimes, I find myself working a little too hard and getting things done too quickly, just because I’m so eager to stay productive. But I’d much rather be ahead of schedule than be perceived as unmotivated or disengaged. The key is to stay focused and present. When I’m fully invested in the progress of my work and in the development of Elder Home Share as a company, it becomes easier to notice areas where things could be improved. Often, my boss gives me general feedback like, “this page feels a bit flat,” and I get to take that feedback and figure out a creative way to bring it to life. That level of freedom and trust is something I don’t take for granted.
To be honest, I think this environment is a really valuable first professional experience because it demands critical thinking. Instead of just following step-by-step instructions like a robot, I get to use my judgment, creativity, and problem-solving skills. I get to make real contributions that improve the company’s online presence. That’s incredibly motivating. It also means that when I enter my next role, I’ll be better prepared to hit the ground running and contribute meaningfully from the start. This experience has taught me how to adapt, take initiative, communicate effectively, and lead when necessary. It’s the kind of growth that goes far beyond just learning technical skills—it’s preparing me to be a professional. And that’s something I’ll definitely bring up in future job interviews.